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HOLLAND BRIEF


EATING IN HOLLAND

     The Dutch are an innovative people, and this quality comes out in their cooking.   There is a growing number of chefs who are demonstrating an artistic approach to their profession; in recent years the number of ethnic restaurants has been growing, particularly in larger towns.   Whereas previously you would only find one chinese, one Italian and one Indonesian restaurant in these towns, now you can also enjoy dishes from countries as varied as Spain, Turkey, Greece, Morocco, Israel, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Thailand, Japan, Korea and Vietnam.

     Among the cafes and bars you will now find eetcafes, cafes where you can order meals.   Not only will you be able to enjoy your meal in a livelier atmosphere but you will find that a lot of the food served here comes close in quality to that of established restaurants.   Snack bars, where you can have a quick meal such as a broodej kroket (toasted sandwich with meat) are now an established feature of the Dutch culinary scene.   The restaurants listed have been selected on the basis not only of the quality of food served but also of the atmosphere and service.

Types of Restaurant

Holland boasts a wide variety of restaurants, and as the Dutch are eating out with increased frequency, this means that the range of restaurants they can choose from is increasing as well.   Because of the historical ties with Indonesia, Indonesian ("Indonisch") restaurants are numerous in Holland.   For purists, much of the cooking may lean too heavily towards the Chinese style, but it is still possible to sample genuine Indonesian recipes.   Chinese restaurants and pizzerias have also spread far and wide throughout the country.

     Traditional Dutch cooking is best described as frugal.   As a maritime nation, Holland does have large numbers of fish restaurants, particularly along the coast.   Ther is an overwhelming number of restaurants serving French cuisine.   Their numbers are increasing steadily, and quality is also improving constantly.   The Chefs frequently add some local ingredients to the French recipes, such as fennel or asparagus.   This means that in Holland you can eat wild duck on endive stampot (mashed potato and cabbage), a combination which is as yet unheard of in France.   Nobody looks askance at tuna tartare, deep-fried celeriac or green asparagus and guacamole.   It is in areas such as these that Dutch chefs are showing increasing inventiveness.

     In recent years thare has also been an increase in the number of ethnic restaurants in Holland.   The quality varies, and the range of foods on offer is vast, from Vietnamese to Lebanese, Thai to Greek, Indian to Turkish, Moroccan to Japanes.   Indeed, one would be hard-pressed to find a country in the world whose cuisine is not represented by some restaurant in Holland.   There is also an infinite variety in the range of food, decoration, contents, presentation and price.   The majority of ethnic restaurants are situated in larger towns and cities, but even in the countryside their numbers are steadily increasing.

EETCAFES

EETCAFES (eating cafes) are a relatively recent phenomenon in Dutch eating.   Initially, some cafes and bars sold snakcs to go with their drinks, such as an appetizer, a sandwich or a meatball.   These snacks have since been refined to a growing extent.   Coffe shops have gradually evolved into eetcafes where you can enjoy sandwiches at lunch time and cheap, often very decent, meals in the evenings.   They vary from very simple dishes such as soups, sandwiches, salads, omelettes, and French fries to exceptionally good three-course menus.   Many such cafes are now concentrating increasingly on the food aspect.   The prices charged at these cafes are in many cases much lower than those in traditional restaurants.

VEGETARIAN RESTAURANTS

     Most restaurants have a number of vegetarian dishes on their menu.   This applies both to Dutch/French restaurants and to ethnic restaurants.   There are also an increasing number of restaurants which cater exclusively to vegetarian eaters.

OPENING HOURS

     Holland has not had a tradition of lunching, but this is also gradually changing, with increasing numbers of restaurants now opening at lunch time.   In the evenings the majority of restaurants open at 6pm; the kitchens usually stop serving food at 10pm or 10:30pm.   Also - and in particular in the large towns and cities - there is a growing number of night restaurants, with their kitchens staying open until after mid-night.   This allows you to round off a visit to the theatre, movies or cafe with a late dinner.

RESERVATIONS

     Anybody wishing to eat in one of the country's more renowned restaurants would do well to book, and sometimes booking a few days in advance is advisable.   It can get crowded in cafes and other informal restaurants in the evenings, but reservations are usually accepted only for large groups if at all.

TIPPING

     A sewrvice charge of 15 percent is included on the bill at most Dutch bars, cafes, and restaurants.   However, it is customary to round up the amount.   The tip should be left as change rather than included on a credit-card payslip.

ETIQUETTE

     The atmosphere at most Dutch rstaurants is fairly informal, and when going out to dine you can generally wear what you like; smart casual or semiformal dress is suitable almost everywhere.   There are some exceptions, however; in some very upmarket restaurants dressing smartly is considered very important.

PRICES

     Most Dutch restaurants display a menu giving the prices of various dishes or set meals on the wall or the front door so that you can get an idea of whether the prices suit you or not before going in.   The prices are given inclusive of VAT (BTW) and service.   Prices can vary markedly, and a restaurant can be found in each price class; you can find many establishments where you can eat for less than €22.50/£15.44; in top restaurants, however, you should not be surprised if your bill comes to €70/£48, excluding wine.   The cost of drinks is invariably extra and the mark-up levied by a restaurant, especially on cheap wine, can be high.

DRINKS

     In recent times a growing number of restaurants has been paying more attention to the wine list; in many of them, you can choose from a range of outstanding, often French, wines to accompany your meal.   The list of often exotic aperitifs available is also growing in many establishments.   However, beer is the drink of preference in most Dutch cafes and bars, and all have a wide selection of local and imported brews.

WHAT DISHES TO EAT IN HOLLAND

     Traditional Dutch food is hearty and wholesome and prepared with simple ingredients.   Fresh herring, sole, mussels and salted lamb are among the best that the country offers.   Holland's potatoes are world famous, as are its diary rpoducts such as milk, cream, butter and, of course, cheese.   Fruit and vegetables thrive in the Dutch climate, with the harvest of the creamy white asparagus being the high point of the year.

Paling in 't groen (stwed eel with vegeatables) is one version of stewed eel.   Smoked eel is another tasty delicacy.

Hollandse garnalen, or Dutch prawns, often come with bread and sauce.

Mussels are eaten whenever an "r" appears in the name of the month.

Fresh herring the best the sea has to offer, is typically served raw with onions or herbs and accompanied by chilled korenwijn (purifid malt wine).

Zeetong (sole) grows to its largest size in the North Sea.   It is best baked in butter, served with a slice of lemon.

Zeekraal (glasswort) is a plant from the mud flats and salt marshes that goes well with fish.

Eendenborst (breast of duck) is a highlight of the menu in Dutch restaurants.

Texel lamb is salty.   The potato served with it is the famous Opperdoezer Ronde.

Zure zult (brawn) and metworst sausage are typical Dutch cold meats.

White asparagus with ham and eggs is a speciality of both Limburg and East Brabant. Salad with tomatoes and radishes.

Wholemeal bread is the pride of Dutch bakers.

Pancakes are eaten with all kinds of fillings: bacon (and syrup), cheese or fruit.

Dutch strawberries are a real treat especially with whipped cream.

Apple tart is a favourite Dutch dessert.

CHEESE     Dutch cheese is exported to all corners of the world.   Gouda, Edam and Leiden cheese are the best known, but every part of the country where cows outnumber humans makes its own cheese, from mild to extra-mature, from seasonal cheese to mass-produced chees, plain or flavoured with nettle, cumin, chives, cloves or garlic.   Sheep's and goat's cheese extend the range.   Cheese is often served on a cheese board with traditional rogge-brood (rye bread).

INDONESIAN CUISINE

Indonesian cooking is a colonial legacy that has become common property.   The best way to start off with Indonesian food is to order rijsttafel.   Together with a large bowl of rice, you will be given some 25 bowls of snacks.   Look out for the word pedis (hot!).

bami goreng (fried noodles, chicken, prawns, garlic, pepper, vegetables.

Saty daging (marinated beef).

Satay ajam (chicken in peanut sauce).

Ajam panike (Chicken in mild sauce).

Babi asam pedis (spicy pork).

Udang bakar (grilled tiger prawns).

Gado gado (mixed vegetables with peanut sauce)

Nasi goreng (fried rice with meat, prawns, mushrooms and soy sauce.)


SHOPPING IN HOLLAND

     Throughout Holland you will find a huge range of shops and markets.   Many towns have shops and department stores belonging to large retail chains, but you will alos find unique independent shops selling clotes,everyday goods and knick-knacks.   Large specialised shops such as furniture stores, factory outlets and garden centres are usually on the outskirst of towns and sometimes grouped together in retail parks with parking facilities, child-care facilities and a cafeteria.   Most are open on public holidays, which is usually when they are the busiest.   Recent fashion items and worn leather jackets can often be picked up cheaply at street markets and second-hand shops.

MARKETS

     Practically every town and village holds a general market at least once a wekk.   There are also specialised markets, for example, the farmers' markets, where you can buy fresh farm produce, as well as antique markets and book fairs.   Famous specialised markets include the cheese markets of Alkmaar, Edam and Gouda.   Then there are also flea markets, where traders and individuals alike sell second-hand goods.

     Most markets start at 9:30am and shut at 4pm or 5pm, while some are open either in the mornings or the afternoons only.

ANTIQUES

     Antique collectors will find plent of scope to occupy themselves within Holland.   If you are fortunate, you may strike it lucky in second-hand shops or at flea markets, but likely your best bet is to go to an authentic dealer.   Many antique dealers specilize in a particular period or a particular field - prints or clocks, for instance.   If you prefer buying antiques at auctions, you would probably do best to visit the branches of the internnational auctioneers Sotheby's or Christie's.   In smaller auction houses too, interesting pieces often go under the hammer.   Another way of buying antiques is to visit the antique markets and fairs that are held regularly throughout the country.

FASHION

     The Dutch are spending more and more of their incomes on good-quality fashionable clothing.   Besdides internationally renowned couturiers, manu up-and-coming fashion designers set up their own boutiques.   Their clothes are often hand-made and fairly pricey.   More affordable clothes are available at the larger fashion retailers, both home-grown and international.   A typical Dutch way of being fashionable is to combine a new and expensive garment with second-hand clothes.

RETAIL STORES AND SHOPPING CENTRES

     The most upmarket retail store in Holland is the Bijenkorf, which offers contemporary furniture, the latest names in fashion, a huge book department and all major cosmetics brands.   The Vroom & Dreesmann department stores are slightly smaller and offer lower prices than the Bijenkorf.   One step lower on the prices scale is Hema, which offers a wide range of things suach as lighting accessories and household goods.   At most shopping centres you will find the same names, although some centres are reserved for more exclusive shops.

GARDEN CENTRES

     Products on sale at garden centres are not confined to plants , seeds and bulbs, but also include plant pots and containers, soil compost and garden furntiure.   For more unusual plants it is best to go to special growers, of hwich there are many in Holland.   Garden centres are usually on the edge of towns or just outside them.

CHOCOLATE

     Verkade and Droste are Holland's best known chocolate makers, and you can find their products everywhere.   Many towns now have specialized confectioners' shops.   The renowned Belgian confectioner Leonidas has numerous outlets in the country.   Puccini Bomboni produce exceptional chocolates sold individually.

TEA AND COFFEE

     Holland has been a tea and coffeemporter for centuries, and you can find specialist tea and coffe shops everywhere; many still roast their own coffee.   Simon Levelt always has at least 25 varieties of coffee and 100 tea blends on sale.

WHAT TO BUY IN HOLLAND

     In the cities and tourist resorts, souvenir shops are not difficult to find.   But if you are looking for something out of the ordinary, either for yourself or as gifts, you can often find something in more specialised shops, or even in a supermarket.   Flowers and Delftware never fail to delight.   For other things worth taking home, for example, local delicacies such as Dutch cheese and speculaas or drinks such as jenever gin.

Miniature Houses Painted miniature houses (often Delft blue) are a popular siuvenir.   Some are designed to be filled with jenever gin, while others are purely ornamental.

Flowers Bulbs and cut flowers are available all the year round in the inmu,erabvle flower shops, flower stalls and garden centres to be easily found throughout Holland.

Souvenir Dolls Dutch national costume is hardly worn in Holland any more, except by souvenir dolls.

Painted Wooden Clogs The traditional wooden clog has come to symbolize Holland.   They can be bought in all colours and sizes.   They can also be ordered viua the internet at www.woodenshoes.com

Red Coral Necklaces of red coral are often part of traditional cotume in places such as Volendam.   However, they also add a nice touch when worn with modern clothing.

Gouda Pipes Long-necked clay pipes from Gouda known as Grouwenaars have been made here since the beginning of the 17th century and make a nice gift for smokers and non-smokers alike.

Old Maps and Prints Amsterdam in particular has made its mark in the field of cartography.   Many antique shops sell atlasas and books of prints.

Diamonds Diamonds were cut in Amsterdam as early as the 16th century, and the town continues to be one of the main diamond centres of the world.   Many jewellers sell uncut diamonds and second-hand diamond rings.

Modern Delftware Modern blue Delftware items decorated with windmills or other images of Holland are available in the form of tea sets, sulptures, vases and even royal Delft ashtrays.   When buying, make sure that there is a certificate of authenticity to go with it.

Makkum Pottery This colourful earthenware, primarily tiles, plates and bowls, is srill produced by the Tichelaar factory at Makkum in Friesland.

Speculaas These biscuits flavoured with cinnamon, cloves and ginger, are eaten mainly around St Nicholas' day.

Speculaas Board Mould your own speculaars biscuits ij these biscuit moulds, or use them for attractive wall ornaments.

Zeeland Butter Candies These butter-flavoured sweets from Zeeland, made of glucose sugar syrup and butter, are delicious.

Haagse Hopjes These coffe flavoured sweets were first made at the end of the 18th century at the inspiration of a Baron Hop of the Hague.

Dutch Beer The Dutch are renowned beer-drinkers.   In addition to AMSTEL, BRAND and HEINEKEN there are countless other varieties available.

Spirits Renowned Dutch spirits include jenever, a kind of gin sold in glass or stoneware bottles (there is jonge and oude clear jenever, as well as that with herbs), berenburg, the Frisian distilled herbal drink and advocaat, made of brandy and eggs.

Zaans Mustard This caorse mustard is made at De Huisman mustard plant on the Zaanse Shans.

Gingerbread This scrunptious bread comes in a variety of regional variations, and is excellent at breakfastor even as a snack - especially with a thick layer of butter.

Liquorice Drops The ubiquitous liquorice drops are sold either salted or sweet.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION

     Because Holland is relatively small and has A dense road and motorway network with good public transport, getting around does not take up a lot of time.   Whether you are going to Amsterdam, the Veluwe, Maastricht or Zanvoort, you can get there from anywhere in the country very quickly by car or by train.   The flat landscape with its many canals and dykes means that holidaymakers have plenty of opportunity to explore the countryside by bycycle or by boat.   Another option is to take a trip by steam train.   The best place to find out what's available in your area - and in the country as a whole - is the local VVV (tourist information ) office.

Tourist Information The best source of information for tourists is the loacl or regional VVV office.   Many towns and places of interest have VVV offices where you can drop in and ask for advice and brochures about places of interest, local events, walks, cycle routes and excursions in the town or region.   In addition they can provide maps and books about other parts of Holland.   The VVV-gidsen series in Dutch is very practical, with information and facts about individual provinces and regions.

     A VVVs you can also book domestic excursions, hotels, short breaks and theatre tickets anywhere in the country.

Entertainment Many VVV-gidsen guides have an annual reviwe of events in a paticular egion or province.   For up-to-date information on events, exhibitions, pewrformances and films, it is worth looking in the entertainment supplements issued by the daily papers or ask at the local VVV office.   Plays, concerts, special events and festivals are usually advertised on billboards or in cafes.

     Tickerts for concerts and events are available not only at the box office of the venue itself but also via the national Ticket Service and at VVV offices.

Museum Cards The annual Museum Card (Museumjaarkart) has quickly risen to huge popularity.   It costs €29.95/£20.56.   It gives the holder free entry to over 440 museums in the country.   However, you usually have to pay a supplement for special exhibitions.   The card is available at all participating museums and at VVVs, and requires a passport photograph.   It can also be ordered from the Stichting Museumjaarkart (also available over the Internet).

Opening Hours Although until recently just about every shop was open from 9am to 6pm, today there is an increasing variety in shop opening hours.   Smaller shops still usually close at 6pm, but many retail stores and supermarkets are open until 7pm or later.   In the cities shops tend to stay open longer, but opening hours vary greatly from one business to another.   Many towns have a "shopping evening" (koopavond) once a wekk, when most shops remain open until 9pm.   This is usually on Thursday or Friday.

     Banks are usually open on weekdays from 9am to 5pm, and VVVs are also open on Mondays to Fridays from 9am or 10am to 5pm (sometimes on koopavond until 9pm).

Visas and Customs Travellers from other EU countries can travel freely in and out of Holland provided thay have a valid passport or European identity card.

     EU residents may bring an unlimited quantity of goods into the country rpovided they are for their personal use.   For tobacco and alcohol, the following quantities are considered limits for personal use: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigars, 1kg of tobacco, 10 litres of spirits, 20 litres of liquers, 90 litrs of wine (or 60 litres of fortified wine) and 110 litres of beer.   Duty will be charged on quantities exceeding these specified limits.


Time Like all its neighbouring countries, the Netherlands is on Central European Time, one hour ahead of UK.

Tipping Taxi drivers exoect a tip of around 10 per cent, except on longer journeys.   In hotels you may if you like leave something for the chambermaid after a longerstay, even though it is not generally the rule.

Public ToiletsThere is a limited number of public conveniences in Holland.   In some cities you will find toilets where you have to insert money into a slot to open the door.   Popping into a cafe to use the toilets there is accepted practice in Holland; some establishments have an attendant who should be paid a small amount.   Large retail stores and stations also have toilets, and you generaly need to pay a small feeto use these.

Electricity In Holland the electrical voltage is 220/230 volts.   Dutch plugs are of the two pin type and adaptors are available for visitors from UK.

Television and Radio The television programmes on offer in Holland are undergoing a great deal of development at the moment.   The traditional syatem was to have a large number of broadcasting networks, each with their own political or religious leanings, being given a certain amount of air-time on each of the three public TV stations (Nederland 1, 2 and 3).   More recently, however, commercial television stations have emerged to compete with Hilversum (the town where Holland's main networks are based).

     As well as national TV networks, Holland has a number of regional amd local providers, such as Omrop Fryslan, Onroep Flevoland, Omreop Gelderland and the Amsterdam local network AT5.   In addition, large numbers of foreign programmes can be received on cable TV, the range varying depending on the loacl cable company.

Newspapers and Magazines Holland has four national morning ewspapers (de Telegraaf, de Volkskrant, Algemeen Dagblad and Trouw) and two evening papers.

PERSONAL SECURITY AND HEALTH

     If you keep to a few basic safety rules, you should have a trouble-free visit to Holland.   Obviously it is better not to carry large amounts of cash or valuables around, and not to keep passports, cheques and credit cards together in one place.   Visitors from abroad can always insure themselves against losses of money and personal items from theft.   It is also a good idea to insure yourself against medical expenses when travelling abroad.   For those who do find themselves ij trouble on holiday, the country has efficient emergency services and facilties.


Emergencies The national emergency number for the police, fire brigade and ambulance is 112,   This number must only be dialled in emergencies.   For less urgent help, it is best to contact the nearest police station, hospital or a local doctor, (via the Hotel Concierge if appropriate).

Personal Belongings and Safety It is as true of Holland as elsewhere in Europe that opportunity makes the thief.   hen in busy shopping streets or on public transport, do not leave your wallet in your back pocket, and if you need to go to the lavatory when in a restaurant, take your handbag or wallet with you.   Muggings are rare, but it is better to avoid unlit areas and parks.   Women can visit cafes in the evening without risk.

Reporting Crime If you have been the victim of theft or a mugging, report it to the nearest police station.   You will need to make a verbal report describing any loss and, if necessary, injury.   Many insurance companies require you to report within 24 hours of the incident taking place.   If your passport is stolen, you should report this to your embassy as well as to the police.

Medical Treatment and Insurance Minor medical problems can usually be dealt with at a pharmacy, though the prescription of drugsis very strict.   The majority of drugs are available only on prescription.   Pharmacies which are recognisable by their snake symbol - are open on weekdays from 8:30 or 9am to 530 or 6pm.

     If the pharmacy is closed, you will find on the doora list of the nearest pharmacies that are open.   Local newspapers give details of duty docters, pharmacies and other health services in the town or region.   In the first place try the Hotel Concierge for advice and help.   In an emergency you can get help in hositals which are open 24 hours a day.

     Visitors from abroad who will be acrrying presciption drugs with them should ask their doctor for a medical passport.   This is a documnet stating your condition and the medication you require for it.   The passport can be shown at customs as eveidence that you are bringing the medication for your personal use.

Mosquitos Attracted by the canals, mosquitos can be a real irritant.   Residents and regular summer visitors deal with them in various ways.   Burning coils, ulta-violet tubes, mosquito nets, repellant sprays and anti-histamine creams and tablets are available from large pharmacies and supermarkets.

Lost Property If you lose any valuables, you can check at the police station to see whther anyone has handed them in.   Local police stations usually keep articles that have been handed in before passing them on to the central police station for the district.   If you lose something on a bus tram or metro, you should contact the office of the local or regional Transport organisation (look for "openbaar vervoer" (public transport) in the Yellow Pages).

BANKING AND LOCAL CURRENCY

     Cash is still the most popular form of payment in Holland, though cash cards and other forms of plastic money are becioming increasingly common.   Many hotels, shops and restaurants accept major credit cards in payment.   Other means of payment are travellers cheques (with identification).   In 2002 Holland began to use the Euro.   The best place to change money is at a bank.   You can take an unlimited amount of currency into Holland, and you can withdraw limited amounts of cash at an ATM.

TAXIS

     If you need a taxi from the hotel, ask the concierge.   Outside it is best to either go to a taxi-stand or phone a Taxicentrale; telephone numbers can be found in the telephone directory and in the Yellow Pages.   It is less common to hail a taxi in the street, although it can be done.   Taxis have a meter showing the cost of the ride so far.   The price depends on the distance travelled and the time.   In addition, there is also an initial charge.   Taxis cost more at night.